HAZARD MISSES MATA

Chelsea star Eden Hazard says that he regrets the loss of Juan Mata to Manchester United. The Spaniard was sold to United last January for a fee of around £ 37 million. This was seen as a good piece of business by Chelsea since he was largely a substitute in the final six months of his Chelsea career. Mata, though, was an integral part of Chelsea’s success in the previous two years and this saw him named as the club’s Player of the Year on two occasions. Hazard has risen to prominence since the departure of Mata.

The Belgian international enjoyed his best season till date after scoring 14 league goals last season. He has been in good form this season as well with two goals to his name so far. Hazard will undoubtedly be one of the players to watch when Chelsea visit to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United in one of the games of this weekend. The blues will be going to Old Trafford looking to extend their lead at the top of the table after Manchester City suffered a defeat against West Ham on Saturday. A win for Chelsea will take them eight points clear of City, which is a huge advantage at any stage in the season.

“I was sad when Juan left because he was such a good player. But at the end of his time at Chelsea, he was on the bench and he didn’t play a lot. When you’re a great player, it’s normal that you want to play, so I respect his choice, but I wanted him to stay here because it was a pleasure to play with him. Juan is my friend, but on Sunday he plays for Man United, I play for Chelsea and I want to win,” said Hazard.